Customer Reviews

Serenity: A Companion For Twelve Step Recovery

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When I first got into the 12 step program in 1990 12 step literature only took me so far in my program and I needed more or else I was in danger or returning back to active addiction. In 1993 the company I worked for went out of business and we had to take all of our personal items from our office. In my office were certificates of awards,personal and family pictures gifts from friend and many others items of importances. The only thing I made sure I took with me the day I left was this book. Without Serenity and the divine inspired wisdom that it imparts I know I probally would have returned back to active addiction and would have died. If you are in the 12 step process get Serenity it will give you a true picture of what recovery is all about and like me it might save your life.

While recently on a retreat to the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Kentucky, I visited the guest library looking for some heavy-duty theological works. Quite by accident, I happened to notice this cute little book that someone had left laying out on a table. The full title reads: "Serenity: A Companion for Twelve Step Recovery." I'm personally not involved in any of the twelve step programs, but I know a few people who are, and they have nothing but praise for how well they work.

The Serenity New Testament comes complete with the Twelve Steps made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous. However, it just does not reiterate them, but cross-references every single step with multiple biblical references that speak about the particular topic. For instance, Step Two: "come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity" is cross-referenced with a passage from the Gospels: "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23).

The format is very simple, and extremely easy to follow. The Twelve Steps are listed in the very front of the book, with a short commentary and a long list of verses (with page numbers!) that you can look up. Or, you can go directly to the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs, and read the various books in a normal fashion. But unlike a typical Bible, the authors have highlighted all the verses that speak directly to the Twelve Steps, and have placed the step numbers next to the verses. For example: when you read the ninth chapter of Mark's gospel, you will see "Step 2" placed next to Mark 9:23.

There is also a chain reference system, so that you can go through the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs reading all the verses that pertain to the particular step your interested in. So when you read Mark 9:23 there will be a note in the margin telling you a page number where you can find another verse reference for Step 2.

The authors wisely chose the New King James Version for the basis of their work, which is far easier to read and understand than the early 17th century English of the old King James Bible. There are also lots of helpful notes spread throughout the Bible passages, helping the reader to understand the close relationship between the Steps and Word of God.

While I have more than enough Bibles in my home, I've never come across one as fascinating as this little gem. I seriously considering buying a case of Serenity New Testaments to have on hand for giving to people who could use a little encouragement.

An outstanding New Testament. Highly recommended, whether or not you're in a Twelve Step program.

I lead a men's Bible study in a local jail twice a month focusing on those people with substance abuse problems. Each one of them tells me this is the best Bible they have ever used. AA becomes alive to them when they realize that the higher power is God and not just some object that they pick. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with someone with a drug abuse problem. It is easy to read, easy to follow along, and not only provides the 12 steps but also provides an application on how to use each step.

I will never again think that AA is a program for recovery apart from God's holy word! This Bible makes it so very clear that God directed Bill Wilson and the founders many years ago (1934) to be instruments of healing power. God is the Healer, Jesus the Great Physician and the one in recovery stands in awe of miracles in his or her own life. That is of course, if one follows the Steps "one day at a time". I will always be a recovering co-dependent. Pleasing people was what I was taught to do from childhood. I thank the counselor who guided me right down the Twelve Step path. Please add this book to your library. Everyone needs healing from time to time. God bless you.

I love this little Bible and have purchased multiple copies to give to my friends in recovery. It really helps make the connection between one's actions, one's faith and one's journey in a 12 step program. Often I come across highlighted passages that give me a new perspective on familiar Bible verses, seen through the fresh lens of AA. And conversely, this Bible has helped me take a fresh look at tried and true AA principles by applying scripture as I work the steps and use the tools of the program. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Christian scripture and the 12 Steps. It makes a wonderful gift for friends and sponsees, especially on sobriety anniversaries.

The Serenity Bible is a great tool for cross referencing the steps and scripture. Really puts aside the "Doubting Thomas" who is unsure if the Twelve Steps are scripturally inspired. This is especially helpful for the person who desires to do a Step Study based on Biblical principals.

This is a well designed New Testament which includes descriptions of each of the 12 steps and then moves you through the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs with devotionals about each step. All scripture that relates to the individual 12 steps is highlighted for easy reference. Most important, the devotions really hit the mark. They clearly show how God's Word and His will for your life can be incorporated into your like. I highly recommend it

The beginning or the book give a very helpful description of the 12 step, As helpful as any other "12 + 12" publication. Then it links each step to passages in either the NT, Psalms, or Proverbs and has a full page meditation. Very helpful and the best book I've fould to find scripture readings that directly support each of the 12 steps!

If you are in any type of recovery the Serenity: A Companion For 12 Step Recovery is a must. It has all the steps that assist you as you go through each step of your recovery. This book can help restore you in all areas of your life. Even if you are not in "recovery" it's a 5 star companion for any Christian to have.

I read this Bible Study and 12 Step book when it was first published, and I am still reading my beautiful copy. It is a good introduction to both the New Testament and the 12 Steps. It is not overwhelming for a beginner, and the small size is easy to carry around. You can quickly read through all of the meditations in the book on any step, or take it slowly.

This is one of the books I used for inspiration when I wrote the first edition of Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition [Paperback]. I wanted to make my book more of a workbook and book that actually teaches you how to pray through each of the 12 Steps and the Serenity Prayer using daily meditations and weekly study questions. Also, I wanted my book to be a Personal Prayer Journal and Personal Study Guide, with a Group Journey Guide for small groups. I conduct Serenity Groups in my church, and we still use readings from "Serenity: A Companion For Twelve Step Recovery" in our meetings. If you like this book, I believe Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition [Paperback] is also a book you can use personally, in meetings, or a Sunday school class. I Many free resources and study guides that are keyed to "Prayer Steps to Serenity" are available at the PrayerSteps.org and SerenityGroups.org websites.

L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.